When a gentle south wind sprang up, they thought they had achieved their purpose; they weighed anchor and sailed along the shore of Crete. But not long afterwards, a fierce wind called the “northeaster” rushed down from the island. Since the ship was caught and was unable to head into the wind, we gave way to it and were driven along. (Acts 27:13-15, HCSB)
This morning, the old American Proverb comes to mind: “When it rains it pours.” Isn’t it just like Texas weather to have half a year’s rain fall in one night?
Loud, thunderous nights and lighting-filled skies are a part of life. Of course, we face other storms, too. These are those challenges outside of our control that blow in like a northeaster without invitation. Sometimes, perhaps, we watched the “weather forecast” and knew to expect these storms. Sometimes they come without warning. Either way, they aren’t fun to endure.
But don’t despise the storms of life. As Willa Cather says: “There are some things you learn best in calm, and some in storm.” Storms are a time to stop trusting in yourself and start trusting in God. Usually this involves us recognizing that we can’t hold back the winds, so we repent to God for trying…then ask him to help us.
On this ship in the Adriatic, there is one man who isn’t panicking…the Apostle Paul. Do you want a life that can handle the storms? Here’s Jesus’ advice:
“Why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and don’t do the things I say? I will show you what someone is like who comes to Me, hears My words, and acts on them: He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. When the flood came, the river crashed against that house and couldn’t shake it, because it was well built. But the one who hears and does not act is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The river crashed against it, and immediately it collapsed. And the destruction of that house was great!” (Luke 6:46-49, HCSB)
Stand firm!
